Terms of Reference for ICT Policy Analyst

I. Background

Government of Rwanda and the Government of Japan through Japan International Cooperation Agency (hereinafter denoted as “JICA”) are implementing the ICT Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project (hereinafter denoted as “JICA ICT Project”) to strengthen Rwanda’s ICT innovation ecosystem which would further elevate Rwanda’s status as a premier ICT innovation destination and “the ICT Hub for the continent.”

The Project aims to accomplish its objective of “ICT Innovation Ecosystem in Rwanda is systematically enhanced to supplement the realization of Smart Rwanda Master Plan” through achieving the following outputs:

1. Innovative ICT-enabled activities in ICT and other different sectors are prompted especially through private sector initiatives.
2. A policy framework to support ICT entrepreneurs and innovation promotion activities is formulated.
3. Business relation between Rwandan and Japanese companies related to ICT is strengthened.
4. Innovative ICT use development practices borne by the Project are recognized and effectively utilized by multiple stakeholders within and beyond Rwanda.

The Project’s output 2, which aims at supporting the Ministry of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) in areas of policy advisory services, recognizes that the underlying policies and enabling legislation need to be progressively reviewed, developed, and as necessary adapted to evolving circumstances, to ensure the desired outcomes. It is under this background that JICA ICT Project is seeking to recruit an ICT Policy Analyst to lead efforts aimed at strengthening the ICT policy and legislative framework at MINICT.

The Project requires an experienced consultant to work as a Policy Analyst and Policy Advisor to the Minister of ICT and Innovation (MINICT) to achieve output. The consultant will provide strategic advice to the Minister on policymaking and will support the strengthening of the policy-making and strategic planning capacities of the Ministry. 

Scope of Work

Under the guidance of the Project Secretariat and the Project’s Chief Advisor, the consultant will manage necessary logistics, facilitation, and other matters concerning the related policy work with the support of the Project Secretariat Coordinator, SWG Coordinator of MINICT, and other Project team members.  

II. Terms of Work

Under the guidance of the Project Secretariat, Project’s Chief Advisor, and other project members, the Consultant shall implement the following tasks in accordance with the prescribed timeline.

• Provide policy oversight and high-quality independent advice on policy proposals and submissions received in line with the government's objective.
• Review all existing relevant policies (& drafts), and papers as appropriate.
• Engage effectively with internal and external experts in relation to the MINICT portfolio(s) so that the best information is available for discussion, decision making, policy development, planning, and risk management.
• Provide strategic advice and guidance to MINICT in designing and implementing relevant strategies to achieve the National Strategy for Transformation (NST1) goals.
• Facilitate the preparation of related policy reports, reviews, assessments, and Ministry statements.
• Draw from world trends and best practices as appropriate and working with Ministry staff, propose and draft policy reviews and development work plans.
• Review the institutional context for ICT policy-making and implementation and recommend an appropriate institutional framework going forward.
• Support MINICT to develop and revise ICT policies for consideration by government and prepare consultation papers about the proposed policy development framework and establish an agreed-upon approach to the required policies, legislation, and program of works.
• Engage core Government stakeholders in consultations on ICT policy development, reviews, and validations, and support the approval process.
• Assist the Ministry in finalizing existing policy modules following consultation meetings and provide advice towards the conversion of the consulted policies to working legislation.
• Provide ongoing mentoring, knowledge transfer, guidance, and policy development skills to staff at the Ministry of ICT and Innovation.
• Other policy and strategic tasks as required by the Minister of ICT and Innovation.
• Other tasks as necessary

III. Terms of Employment

Period of service
The ICT project starts implementing the tasks from the date upon the contract signed by both parties (the Consultant and ICT project). The Consultant completes the task with submission of all the necessary works required from JICA Experts by 31^st of Januyary 2022.

Working days and hours
Consultant is expected to work as a professional without continuous supervision and in a set location. A consultant is required to submit “Working sheet” with a brief description of activities and weekly report to the Project Secretariat to allow verification of the progress of the assignment.

Deliverables

• A report on National ICT sector policy and management institutional framework and an agreed-upon approach to the required policies, legislation, and program of works.
• A concept paper proposing capacity-building measures and a report on actions taken to support capacity building in house relevant to policy formulation and development, review, and implementation respectively.
• A report on a number of reviewed ICT policies and their progress.
• Report on consultation with Government and core stakeholders on the proposed policy development, impacts or legislative change, its arrangements, and operation.

Remuneration and benefits
Remuneration and benefits will be provided based on the Project and JICA regulations.

Reporting

• The ICT Policy Analyst will be working under the direct supervision of the ICT Innovation Ecosystem Strengthening Project and MINICT whom he/she will be addressing his reports.
• The working place for the consultant will be at the MINICT office and will be physically required to be present full-time and operate according to a prioritized work plan, which will contain specific objectives, a detailed description of the activities, expected outputs, and results, supported by objectively verifiable indicators of achievement.
• The consultant shall closely collaborate with the MINICT staff and deliver as a team as they are pursuing the same objective.
• The consultant produces monthly reports of activities that shall be sent to the Project for administrative purposes of the contract.
• A 1-2 page report each month describing his/her key accomplishments, deliverables, and any potential issues, obstacles, or risks.
• A final project report highlighting accomplishments, results, and any recommended next steps at the end of the assignment

IV. Qualification requirements

The Consultant should demonstrate the following skills/requirements

• Master's degree in Public Policy, IT/Telecommunications Engineering, law, economics, Project Management, Public Policy, or related field.
• At least 5 years experience in ICT /Economy policy and regulation and/or ICT project design and implementation, or equivalent combination of education and experience.
• Extensive knowledge and understanding of the work and reforms of Rwanda’s national policy and planning.
• Good understanding of Policy development and experience on conducting user needs analysis.
• Knowledge and experience of working in Rwanda public sector.
• As the role requires consultation and skills transfer, the specialist must be competent in the preparation of materials in English.
• Excellent written communication skills in English as demonstrated in a proven track record of effectively delivering technical information in a clear, easily understandable, and effective manner.
• Excellent presentation skills, using charts, graphs, and other data presentation techniques appropriately to communicate data, technical information, or complex concepts to non-specialists.
• Strong drive for results, taking personal ownership and accountability to meet deadlines and achieve agreed-upon results.
• Strong business judgment and analytical decision-making, analyzing facts and data to support sound and logical business decisions.
• Demonstrated ability to think strategically and identify risks in the development of Government policies.
• Team-leadership skills and cultural sensitivity;
• Demonstrated capacity to set priorities in a highly pressured environment.
• Proven ability to function effectively as a team member of multi-disciplinary teams and resolve conflicts constructively.

V. Submission of application

All interested candidates are requested to email the copies of:

• Explanation of interest
• Proposals on how you can spearhead the assignment (max 2 pages)
• Sample Document compiled by the applicant
• Curriculum Vitae
• Copy of National ID

The application should be submitted by e-mail to:

Mr. Atsushi Yamanaka atsushi.proj@gmail.com
ICT Project Secretariat secretariat@risa.gov.rw

by 18:00 Kigali Time 6^th of September 2021

Candidates who have passed the first selection process (paper-based) will be called for interview processes. Successful candidates are expected to demonstrate how to contribute himself/herself to the implementation of the incubation support at the interview.